Determining Parameters for Trick Modes of Video Programs

Abstract

Systems and methods for trick mode operation in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT), are disclosed. One such method comprises receiving user input indicating one of a plurality of trick mode operations to be performed on a stored program. The method further comprises retrieving annotation data associated with the stored program. The method further comprises determining parameters for the trick mode operation, based on data associated with the indicated trick mode operation and on the retrieved annotation data. The method further comprises selecting multiple picture sets from the stored program based on the parameters. The method further comprises decoding the selected multiple picture sets.

1 . A method for trick mode operation in a digital home communication terminal (DHCT), the method comprising:
 receiving user input indicating one of a plurality of trick mode operations to be performed on a stored program;   retrieving annotation data associated with the stored program;   determining parameters for the trick mode operation, based on data associated with the indicated trick mode operation and on the retrieved annotation data;   selecting multiple picture sets from the stored program based on the parameters; and   decoding the selected multiple picture sets.   
   
   
       1 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data associated with the indicated trick mode operation is at least one of a playback mode, a playback direction, a playback speed, and a playback duration. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the parameters include an entry point, and the determining further comprises:
 determining the entry point based on at least one of a number of pictures, a number of a specific type of pictures, a start code, and a time.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the determining further comprises:
 determining the parameters based on a timestamp of a currently viewed picture in the stored program.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining a number of decoded pictures needed to produce a full picture.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining a number of decoded pictures needed in a given time interval.   
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining whether to display only a portion of the decoded picture sets, based on the indicated trick mode operation and the retrieved annotation data.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining whether to repeat display of the last decoded picture set, based on the indicated trick mode operation and the retrieved annotation data.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining whether to repeat the decoding of one of the pictures in the selected multiple picture sets, based on the indicated trick mode operation and the retrieved annotation data.